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American Red Cross Hit by Multiple-Union Strike

Although, due to its planned short duration, it appears to be a mere union pressure tactic to get the American Red Cross to cave at the bargaining table, multiple unions have hit the not-for-profit with a three-day strike in six states.

The unions involved include AFSCME, the CWA, OPEIU, and, of course, the SEIU.

Blood collections were suspended Wednesday as 60 union workers joined a broader coalition to initiate a strike against the American Red Cross.

Locals workers sit and stood along Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Some held signs, while one yelled into a megaphone. Each belonged to Service Employees International Union Local 1199.

A union official attributed the work stoppage to disagreements about health insurance, pension and staffing levels. Red Cross declined specific comment, but said its contract proposals are consistent to benefits afforded to its non-union staff.

Unionized American Red Cross workers are on strike on Wednesday and there will no blood drives for the day.

About 200 Connecticut Red Cross workers, who are members of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, started a three-day strike at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. It will end at midnight on June 4.

Union officials warned in May of a possible strike and said the Red Cross is taking part in unfair labor practices, including a lack of nurses at blood drives, and skimping on important benefits for employees.

Unionized workers for the American Red Cross Blood Services Division in Buffalo are set to go on strike today.

The walkout will involve about 100 area workers who collect, process and distribute blood, said James Wagner, president of Local 1122, Communications Workers of America. Another 60 tele-recruiters who recruit blood donors will not join the strike for fear their work would be moved immediately to Rochester, he said. Wagner had initially said that group would join the strike.